TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Texas law that requires school to display the Ten Commandments is being challenged here in the Lone Star State.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked a mandate for public schools in the state to display the ten commandments in classrooms. Right now, State Attorney General Ken Paxton is appealing the federal judge’s decision so future court proceedings will determine whether the law stands. It comes as Paxton sues three school districts for not complying with state law.
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Paxton has filed lawsuits against Galveston I.S.D., Leander I.S.D., and Round Rock I.S.D. for failing to display the Ten Commandments in accordance with state law. According to two lawsuits, the school districts received donated posters of the Ten Commandments, but each delayed hanging them as arguments over the constitutionality of the law proceeded in federal court.
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Senate Bill 10 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in late June of this year, just one day after a similar law in Louisiana was deemed unconstitutional. The law took effect September first, requiring schools to accept posters or framed copies of the Ten Commandments and display them “in a conspicuous place” in classrooms.
Supporters argue the Ten Commandments’ teachings are a cornerstone of American law, while those in opposition say mandating its display is a violation of the first amendment.
A federal appeals court will hear the state’s arguments against the ruling next year. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit will hear both Texas’ case and a similar case playing out in Louisiana. That hearing is set for January 20th.
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